Enjoy these tips for the best-ever summer brunch!
What could be better than a late morning meal between breakfast and lunch, surrounded by beautiful scenery and people you treasure most?
Make the most of the summer season by throwing an outdoor summer brunch. Looking for some tips? No worries. Hosting can be a breeze by incorporating simple techniques like those described below:
Who to invite
Why not invite guests for a sweet and savory buffet outdoors? For a casual and intimate affair, stick to inviting close friends and family. Narrowing down the guest list to this tight-knit group helps to manage the number of guests. Choosing this core group also serves as a guest list cut-off. Limiting invites also makes it easier to move gatherings indoors should inclement weather occur.
Backdrop & setting
Set the mood by choosing the ideal spot for your brunch. A beautiful outdoor scenery, such as a patio that gazes over a field of flowers or a rooftop deck overlooking a dazzling cityscape, can elevate any brunch. No pretty backdrop? Dull seating area can be improved by adding plants, charming fabrics, special lighting, or other delicate touches to make the space inviting.
Finding shade in the sun
Summertime is a wonderful time of year to host brunch. When planning outdoor events, one must be mindful of heat. Offering seating under an umbrella or in a shaded garden is welcome, especially for heat-sensitive guests like babies and the elderly. In intense heat, offer opportunities for weather-sensitive people to move indoors.
The surface counts
Outdoor brunch events should ideally be set up on flat and level surfaces. This ensures that tables and chairs rest steadily and guests can walk worry free. For convenience, bathrooms and hand washing stations should also be accessible.
The tablescape
Creating a tablescape encompasses the art of decorating and arranging a table. It involves choosing table linens and runners, candles, flowers, and other centerpieces to enhance the décor. It also includes choosing complementary plates, silverware, and stemware. With tablescapes, attention to detail is what counts. For ease and beauty, stick with a simple color scheme such as blue and white. Or choose one neutral shade, uniting the entire tablescape monochromatically. Not a fan of uniformity? Break the rules and go utterly eclectic by mixing and matching colors, patterns, and designs, right down to the chairs.
Welcoming guests
The best hosts make guests feel welcome, happy, and comfortable. They also treat their guests like gold, offering warm greetings and introductions, and a welcome beverage upon arrival. Talented hosts also place emphasis on fine details such as creating personalized place cards, folding napkins in special designs, adding special music and lighting, and offering takeaway gifts to enhance the guest experience.
Additional tips for casual brunch
- Arrange tables and chairs in a pleasing manner so that guests have room to sit comfortably and freely mingle.
- Cover dining surfaces with tablecloths and centerpieces to up the attractiveness.
- If the chairs are hard and uncomfortable, add soft seat cushions for guest comfort.
- Use a wheeled cart to help transport food from the kitchen to your outdoor area.
- Note that tables do not have to be set for an informal buffet style brunch. Guests can make their plates and carry them to their seats.
- Kindly offer children, people with special needs, and the elderly help serving and transporting their food.
- Desserts and beverages are best served at separate beverage stations. This can better circulate the foot traffic at your event.
For tips on how to set up a brunch, and for ideas on foods to serve, jump to our sister article entitled Creating the ideal buffet table.
